From Jed in Iraq

My mom's husbasd is in Iraq for a year driving a bus for KBR. I get several of his emails weekly forwarded to me from my mom. I think it's sad for them to be apart and I tend to feel for him the lonliness that I would feel that far from home. But, every email he sends is a reminder of his ability to serve, in the smallest way, his fellow beings and his God. I continue to be inspired by his emails and wanted to share with anyone who's not recieving them a little of his strength. Since I rarely watch the news or worry about what is going on in the "world" I lead a farely sheltered life. I really like it that way. Now the war raging far away is very close to home. Thank you, Jed, for letting your light shine and for inspiring me to do the same.

I have been asked the question, (several times in the past couple of weeks), "Are you having fun in Iraq?" Even Candace has commented that sometimes she thinks I'm having too much fun... The impression I must be giving out is that I'm in Disneyland on a wild and crazy ride. It's a wild ride, all right, but it's definitely not Disneyland!

I have to say that when I write home every day or two I try to keep my letters upbeat and positive about my experiences here. I try to find humor and irony in things that, on their own, could be depressing and dark. For the most part, I lead a pretty boring existence. I work from 6:30 AM until 7:00 PM each day, either driving or waiting, and I get a half hour break for lunch.

I've worked hard over the years to become a keen observer, able to see things in a unique or unusual way, and I'm working to add listening skills in order to really hear.

I guess I could call it "fun" to be here in an offhand sort of way, but deep down it's not really "fun" to hear explosions nearby, or gunfire, or to see my bus reduced to scrap metal and to realize just how close I came to death. It's not "fun" for me to know that our soldiers are out in Mosul every day facing incredible dangers and unspeakable fears. Last night I listened to a soldier who talked about his experiences as a convoy escort. He stuttered as he spoke, and his knees bounced up and down nervously as he pulled up chilling recollections.

So no, it's not fun. But it is satisfying. I get incredibly deep satisfaction knowing that I make a tiny difference as I serve here. I find myself happy and upbeat because I look for little miracles that take place all around me every day. I hear the Spirit speak peace to my heart. And most of all, I love the people whom I serve. I love the Lord, and I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and I'm solidly anchored in truth. And one day all of the whirling, crazy chaos around me will become only a dream, seen "through a dark glass" in the end.

I love you all!
Jed